PIZZA SLIDERS: GET IN MY BELLY

I can still picture the chaotic scene: a gaggle of hungry kids, a buzzing kitchen, and the aroma of melted cheese and warm bread filling the air. It was my son’s tenth birthday, and I wanted something fun and easy to serve. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of Pizza Sliders, and they were an instant hit! Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true recipe so you can create a batch that’s guaranteed to disappear faster than you can say “pepperoni!”

Pizza Sliders: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser

Okay, friend, let’s talk about Pizza Sliders. Forget ordering takeout; these little guys are incredibly simple to make, totally customizable, and seriously addictive. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, need a quick weeknight dinner, or just want to satisfy a pizza craving in a fun, bite-sized way, pizza sliders are the answer. I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe over the years, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have a batch of these ready in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: The toppings are completely up to you! Use your favorite pizza toppings to create endless variations.
• Kid-Friendly: What kid (or adult, let’s be honest!) doesn’t love pizza? The slider format makes them fun and easy to eat.
• Perfect for Parties: They’re easy to serve and always a hit with a crowd.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the sliders ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create pizza slider magic:

• Slider Buns: I prefer using Hawaiian rolls for their slightly sweet flavor and soft texture, but any slider buns will work.
• Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, try my Homemade Pizza Sauce (link coming soon!).
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend.
• Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni is a must for me, but you can use any toppings you like.
• Toppings of Your Choice: Get creative with mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, sausage, olives, pineapple… the possibilities are endless!
• Melted Butter: Mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, this adds a delicious flavor and helps the buns brown beautifully.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the butter mixture.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs gives the sliders that classic Italian flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Pizza Slider Perfection

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing Pizza Sliders you’ve ever tasted.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the sliders bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Prepare the slider buns. If using Hawaiian rolls, keep them connected as a sheet. Slice the entire sheet of rolls horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms.
3. Spread pizza sauce on the bottom half of the rolls. Use a generous amount of sauce to cover the entire surface. Don’t be shy!
4. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This creates a gooey, cheesy base for your toppings.
5. Add your desired toppings. Arrange the pepperoni, vegetables, sausage, or any other toppings you like evenly over the cheese.
6. Sprinkle another layer of mozzarella cheese over the toppings. This helps to hold everything together and adds even more cheesy goodness.
7. Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on top of the sliders. Make sure they align properly.
8. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until well combined. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!
9. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns. This gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and adds tons of flavor.
10. Cover the sliders with foil. This prevents the tops from browning too quickly and ensures the cheese melts completely.
11. Bake for 15 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – you want them perfectly melty, not burnt!
12. Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making them easier to handle.
13. Slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm. Get ready for the compliments!

Success Tips: Pizza Slider Gold

Want to guarantee pizza slider success? Here are my top tips:

• Don’t overbake! Overbaking can result in dry buns and rubbery cheese. Keep a close eye on the sliders and remove them from the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown.
• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the sliders will taste. Choose a flavorful pizza sauce, good-quality cheese, and fresh toppings.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings. This is where you can really get creative! Try different combinations of meats, vegetables, and cheeses to find your perfect pizza slider combination. I sometimes add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
• Brush the buns with butter, even if you’re short on time. That buttery, garlicky flavor makes all the difference!
• Make-ahead Instructions: You can assemble the sliders up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with foil and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.

Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Pizza Sliders

Let’s dive into some topping variations to really spice things up! Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

• Pepperoni & Mushroom: A classic combination that never disappoints. Use sliced mushrooms and plenty of pepperoni.
• Sausage & Pepper: Italian sausage and bell peppers make a hearty and flavorful slider.
• Hawaiian: Ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
• Veggie: A colorful combination of bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes.
• BBQ Chicken: Shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce with red onion and cilantro. For a similar handheld treat, you could also whip up a batch of CHICKEN SLIDERS!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Feast

Pizza Sliders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with some tasty sides. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:

• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sliders.
• French Fries: A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.
• Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Carrots, celery, and cucumber with ranch or hummus for a healthy and refreshing option.
• Soup: A warm bowl of tomato soup is a comforting accompaniment to pizza sliders, especially on a chilly day. Or, if you’re looking for another appetizer option, maybe try some BBQ SAUSAGE BITES!

Variations on a Theme: Beyond the Basic Slider

While the classic pizza slider is amazing, there’s always room for a little experimentation! Here are a few variations to try:

• Garlic Bread Pizza Sliders: Before adding the toppings, spread garlic butter on the bottom half of the rolls and bake for a few minutes until lightly toasted. This adds a delicious garlic bread flavor to the sliders.
• Spicy Pizza Sliders: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or sprinkle some jalapeños on top for a spicy kick.
• Mini Pizza Sliders: Use smaller slider buns or cut regular slider buns into smaller squares for mini, bite-sized sliders. These are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
• Cheeseburger Pizza Sliders: Combine ground beef with pizza sauce and seasonings, then spread it on the rolls before adding cheese and other toppings. For another cheeseburger inspired treat, check out these Garlic Parm Cheeseburger Bombs!

A Word About Cheese

Let’s talk cheese! While mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza sliders, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses to create different flavor profiles.

• Provolone: Adds a slightly sharper and more savory flavor than mozzarella.
• Cheddar: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor that pairs well with meats and vegetables.
• Monterey Jack: A mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully.
• Parmesan: Adds a salty and nutty flavor that’s perfect for topping the sliders.
• A Blend: Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex and flavorful result. I often use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.

Serving a Crowd? Here’s How to Scale Up

Pizza sliders are perfect for parties and gatherings! Here’s how to scale up the recipe to feed a crowd:

• Multiply the ingredients: Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need.
• Use baking sheets: Bake the sliders on large baking sheets to accommodate a larger quantity.
• Assemble in batches: Assemble the sliders in batches to make the process more manageable.
• Keep warm: If you’re not serving the sliders immediately, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) or on a warming tray.

For another party-friendly recipe, consider making BUFFALO CHICKEN PINWHEELS. They are a great make-ahead option!

Pizza Slider Recipe

Alright, let’s get this recipe down so you can print it out and stick it on your fridge! I promise, this will become a staple in your house.

Yields: 12 sliders Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls preferred)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1/4 cup your favorite pizza toppings (mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice slider buns horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms.
3. Spread pizza sauce on the bottom half of the rolls.
4. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
5. Add pepperoni and your favorite pizza toppings.
6. Sprinkle another layer of mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
7. Place the top half of the rolls back on top of the sliders.
8. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
9. Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns.
10. Cover the sliders with foil.
11. Bake for 15 minutes covered.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown.
13. Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving.
14. Slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm.

Wrapping it Up: Your Pizza Slider Adventure Awaits

There you have it! My ultimate guide to making the most delicious and crowd-pleasing Pizza Sliders. From the simple ingredients to the endless topping possibilities, this recipe is a winner every time. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a pizza slider adventure that will leave everyone wanting more. Happy baking, my friend!

Pizza Sliders

Amelia

These pizza sliders are a fun and easy way to enjoy pizza in a bite-sized format. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick weeknight dinner, they’re customizable with your favorite toppings and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine American, Italian-American

Servings 12

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• 12 slider buns Hawaiian rolls preferred
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
• ¼ cup sliced onions
• ¼ cup sliced bell peppers
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Slice slider buns horizontally to separate the tops from the bottoms, keeping them connected as a sheet.
• Spread pizza sauce evenly on the bottom half of the rolls.
• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Add pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers evenly over the cheese.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
• Carefully place the top half of the rolls back on top of the sliders.
• In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Whisk until well combined.
• Brush the butter mixture evenly over the top of the slider buns.
• Cover the sliders with aluminum foil.
• Bake for 15 minutes covered.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are golden brown.
• Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving.
• Slice the sliders into individual portions and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t overbake the sliders, as this can result in dry buns and rubbery cheese. Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique pizza slider combinations. Assemble the sliders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. If baking from refrigerated, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.